In the late ’80s, Romero would again shoot abroad, this time the much bigger historical epic, “King and Emperor,” topbilling Vic Vargas, Rosemarie Sonora, Isabel Rivas, Tanya Gomez, Alan Bautista and Rustia—plus a full complement of Chinese movie stars!

But, the big show biz trend today is an even more pervasive use of foreign shooting and taping locales—to give local TV and film productions “that extra something” to make them look and feel “different and special.”

For “Suddenly It’s Magic,” it was partly a Thai setting with Erich Gonzales being romanced by Thai sensation Mario Maurer.

“In My Life” starred Vilma Santos, Luis Manzano and John Lloyd Cruz, and was filmed in the United States, while Sharon Cuneta shot “Caregiver” in the United Kingdom.

Other Filipino productions have been at least partly filmed in Dubai, Amsterdam, Brazil, Hong Kong, Australia, Hawaii and Vietnam.

Expensive

The decision to shoot or tape abroad isn’t a whimsical option, because it adds significantly to a TV or film production’s budget, in terms of transportation, lodging, meals, visas, permits and other extra expenses.

But, it’s still a major consideration, so foreign shoots must really be worth the added expense and aggravation, in terms of “plus” viewing appeal and incentive.

Yes, it’s the same, old romantic or family conflict that’s being dramatized for the nth time, but when it’s being done with Lake Como or Alaska in the breathtakingly beautiful background, the hope is that it feels sort of different—and special.

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